Christchurch Lucky To Secure 8-0 Win

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31660, 22 April 1968, Page 14

Christchurch Lucky To Secure 8-0 Win

CHRISTCHURCH S: B. Francis a try, G. Waterreus a conversion and penalty. UNIVERSITY B 0. University B could have produced another upset when it met last year’s runner-up. Christchurch, in wet conditions at Denton Oval. The result was in doubt until the final minute, when Christchurch received a penalty and Waterreus kicked the goal to make the score 8-0 and the game safe for Christchurch. Much of the play was scrappy as neither side adapted itself to the wet conditions. Showers were frequent during play and the ball became very slippery. This caused the number of dropped passes at crucial times by both teams. Christchurch, with the wind at its back in the first half, held a territorial advantage, although University also had its. moments on attack. The Christchurch back-line always looked likely to pull off one of its brilliant efforts, with the mer-

curial D. A. Arnold bobbing up everywhere. However, the only score in this spell was a try to the hooker, Francis, after a breakdown in a University movement near its own goal-line. Christchurch attacked strongly for a period immediately after the resumption of the second spell but University came back with a vengeance and nearly crossed the line on several occasions. G. Wallis had three unsuccessful attempts at goal. Christchurch was back on attack in the final stages. In the Christchurch team Waterreus

was solid at full-back and made several timely runs in the backline. B. A. Watt was as solid and dependable as ever and K. Foote, a newcomer at half-back, showed promise. R. Wainohu was in good form In the Christchurch pack and R. Mahon was a constant danger to University in the loose play. M. Brown played well at halfback for University and G. Barrett and N. Green were the best of the forwards. Referee: Mr J. G. Cadigan.